Green Roof

"Green"roofs are one of the most exciting developments in sustainable building design. Sometimes called vegetated roofs, eco roofs, or living roofs, green roofs offer a number of sustainable advantages on an otherwise empty, unused space.

Depending on load capabilities and other application-driven requirements, green roofs can be planted with herbs, grasses, flowers, even trees, in an exciting variety of colors, textures, scents and heights. Patios and walkways can become a useable part of the roof environment. Today it’s clear: vegetated roofs offer many social, environmental and economic benefits.

Noise pollution reduction – studies show noise levels in a building can be reduced by as much as 40 decibels

Extended life of the roof system due to moderated temperature swings that cause a roof system to expand and contract as well as protection from everyday wear and tear.

'Single Source' Delivery and Warranty Program for Green Roofs

Sika Sarnafil has established partnerships with leading full-service green roof installers and can provide customers with the advantages of a 'single source' project delivery solution, backed by a 'single source' Sika Sarnafil warranty that includes the vegetated cover and the Sarnafil waterproofing system.

Under this program, customers access a single contact for support, regardless of the issue, and a single warranty covers the green roof assembly. The single source warranty is available for 5, 10, 15, and 20 year periods.

The most important function of a green roof is to keep the water out of the building. Sika Sarnafil's waterproofing Loose-Laid System was selected to protect the Chicago City Hall due to its proven performance on rooftops throughout Europe over the past three decades. The Sarnafil durable, highly puncture and root resistant membrane, along with our knowledgeable technical staff, gave the architects and planners confidence in their waterproofing system decision.

Sika Sarnafil membranes have passed the most stringent European test standards for root resistance including both the German FLL standard test and the Swiss SIA 280 material standard. The German FLL standard test is by far the most critical measurement, exposing the waterproofing membrane to four years of accelerated root growth. The SIA 280 material standard, although not of the same duration of the FLL test, exposes the waterproofing membrane to aggressive root exposure and uses bitumen as a comparative control. In both cases, Sarnafil membranes have proven to be superior to bitumen-based materials in both the laboratory, as well as in real world conditions.

ANSI/SPRI Standards

Landscape Architecture Magazine describes the emergence of green roofs in the city of Minneapolis in its May issue, and it includes a description of the Target Center's 2.5-acre vegetated roof. This green roof includes a Sika Sarnafil waterproofing system.

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